TELUS Communications installing backbone network to bring service to two communities in Mauricie

News Release

December 19, 2017 – Québec, Quebec

TELUS Communications Inc. will install a backbone network to make broadband Internet available in many communities in Quebec, including Notre-Dame-de-Montauban (route Rousseau) and Saint-Séverin in Mauricie. The Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada are supporting this $44,746,160 project, respectively contributing $20,723,568 and $10,361,784 through the Québec branché program and the Connect to Innovate program.

In total, 7,386 households in 148 communities in the Gaspésie, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte‑Nord, Chaudière-Appalaches, Capitale-Nationale and Mauricie regions will have access to broadband Internet services.

The goal of the Québec branché program is to provide broadband Internet services to unserved or underserved regions and communities. Project selection and funding were made in collaboration with the federal Connect to Innovate program. In total, 80 projects have been selected in 14 regions of Quebec.

The announcement was made today by Julie Boulet, Quebec Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region, on behalf of Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, and by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of International Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Quotes

“Reliable, fast Internet service is essential for enterprises in Mauricie that want to further digitize their business processes, have an online presence and conduct e-commerce. It is also vital for families that want to move to our region or for young people who want to return here after their studies. Our government is putting considerable effort into building a solid digital economy and regions that are both attractive and open to the world.”

– Julie Boulet, Quebec Minister of Tourism, Minister responsible for the Mauricie region and Member for Laviolette

“These investments will be very beneficial for the region. In addition to increasing the competitiveness of businesses, they will allow the middle class to have better access to online services. The broadband Internet services announced today will contribute not only to creating jobs but also to improving the quality of life for families in our community.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of International Trade

“Our support for these projects will enable more households and businesses to connect, thereby contributing to Quebec’s economic growth and the vitality of its regions. Just like electricity was a driving force in the 20th century, access to broadband Internet is today a powerful driver of digital and socio-economic development. That’s why, in the Quebec Digital Strategy, the Government of Quebec announced an investment of $200 million to build on Québec branché so that all residents have access to high-speed networks within the next five years.”

– Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

“Access to high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury; it’s essential. High-speed Internet services are basic tools that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of their postal code. Canadians need these services to do business and build stronger communities. Our government recognizes that innovation takes place everywhere in Canada, both in cities and rural areas. Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, Canadians will be better able to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Thanks to support from the federal and provincial governments, we will offer high-speed Internet access to 99% of cities, towns and communities in Est-du-Québec by 2021. Since 2013, we have invested more than $300 million to extend our fibre optic network in Quebec so that thousands of residents, businesses and public institutions can have access to a world-class network. On behalf of the 6,000 members of the TELUS Québec team, I’m pleased by this shared commitment to do everything possible to provide Quebecers with the best technological solutions at home, at work and on the road.”

– François Gratton, Executive Vice-President and President, Business Solutions East and TELUS Québec